Exemplifying her belief that quality medical care is what everyone deserves, Sen. Mattie Hunter championed an initiative extending health care assistance opportunities to the imprisoned recently signed into law  by Illinois’ chief executive.

"Whether in jail or not, you are a person and your health is valuable and a priority," Hunter said, "That is what I'm trying to achieve with this legislation. Being in a penitentiary in no way equates to an individual being undeserving of quality medical attention."

Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter released the following statement in response to the governor’s recent decision to sign law regulating hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” in Illinois:

“I continue to stand in complete opposition to policy regulating ‘fracking’ in Illinois. Early on this past session I presented legislation establishing a moratorium to keep anyone from conducting high-volume hydraulic fracturing in our state and putting a task force in place to make sure we take enough time to thoroughly consider this critical issue.

I still believe we should establish a moratorium and task force to gain greater understanding of how ‘fracking’ will affect Illinois’ drinking water and environment. Water safety is extremely important for our communities and state, which is why I continue to maintain that there should be more time permitted to truly evaluate the consequences of ‘fracking.’

Majority Caucus Whip State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was recently inducted as a member of the Jackson State University National Alumni Hall of Fame.

A 1982 graduate with a Master’s Degree in Sociology, Hunter expressed her sincere gratitude for the recognition by her alma mater.

“I am truly appreciative that Jackson State has chosen to induct me into their National Alumni Hall of Fame this year,” Hunter said. “I am proud to carry on and form part of the rich legacy of academic and career excellence of this exceptional Historically Black College and University.”  

The fourth largest state-supported higher education institution and the largest HBCU in Mississippi, Jackson State University was founded in 1877 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Jackson State ranks number one nationwide in respect to federally funded research among HBCUs.